My day at the E.R. yesterday

Since my Gastric Bypass (4 wks. ago yesterday) I have had no major issues. I have done amazingly well compared to everyone I know who has had it done. Well... Al had to take me to the ER yesterday with severe chest pain and pain with breathing. I was nauseous, but not throwing, dizzy & lightheaded, and foggy-minded (okay, well, more than ususal anyway). At first we thought what I ate might have had sugar, but after checking the ingredients, we eliminated that possibility. It came out of nowhere while I was just sitting here typing. And I had no symptons of dumping whatsoever. My vitals seemed okay, so the next thing they worried about was DVT- and the possibility that a clot had moved to my lungs. That was ruled out w/xray. Because of my strong family history of heart and coronary disease, they were concerned that I may have been having angina, like my dad, so they did an EKG and put a nitro patch on me, which did slow down some of my heart stuff, but since I had no radiating pain anywhere, they don't think it was cardiac. They suspect that I may have a stricture (a narrowing of the opening to my new tiny stomach pouch), which may have caused food to back up into the esophagus causing the severe pain in my chest. Because of this possibility, I had to drink a disgusting GI ****tail of Maalox, Lydocaine, and a muscle relaxer to relax my esophagus. However, nothing was really determined for sure. I had no stomach pain whatsoever, only chest, which may mean that food with more consistency is unable to pass through to the stomach until it breaks down. Anybody else have a similar experience? Nevertheless, because of my family history, my mom's quad bypass 8 yrs. ago, and my having just come off of HBP meds after 16 years, they want me to have a complete work up with a cardiologist this week, and I have to follow up with Dr. B. on Tuesday. I am shamelessly asking for prayers that it is not cardiac, requiring a catherization (my 49 yr. old sister was just found to have a blockage in Jan.) Neither do I want them to find a stricture, which would mean an endoscopy with a balloon to open the narrowing of the opening, right? That is what they have to do in that case, correct? I am so done with surgeries for this year- two major in 7 weeks was enough for me. Thanks, friends, for any prayers offered up on my behalf! Love, Christine

For the record, I am so afraid to eat today. Yesterday after I got home, even applesauce seemed to hurt, chicken broth hurt, and even smooth tomato soup hurt. Please tell me if any of y'all have had a similar experience, and what you did. I am in need of advice, if this is in fact GI and not cardiac. Thank you friends! Christine

Christine, I wish I knew something about this, but don't. Just want to say I will keep you in my prayers. The stricture would be the best of the two since they say the endo isn't toooo bad and you actually don't even know they do it. Not sure I totally believe that, but it would be much better than the cardio problem. As for diet, I would go real easy until you see Dr. B. Go back to soups, sf Jello, popsicles, etc. Sometimes when our pouches get upset it takes a few days to settle them down anyway. Take care and keep us posted. Love, Susann

what ever you do never ask shamelessly for prayers we are always here for a shoulder to cry on or a big hug or a prayer, that is support .hope you feel better & take it easy till you see the dr God bless Becky

Good Morning Chrisitine, Just finished praying for you hun & will continue to keep you in my prayers. I know how worried you must be and what a scare it had to be for you and my heart certainly goes out to you. Christine prayer is the best gift that any of us can give to one another. It's free, simple to do and it's so powerful. You did the right thing by coming to your sisters for prayer. We share a bond with each other that's undeniable and will continue to share this bond for life. I'm sure everyone else on this forum doesn't mind if I speak for them when I say, please know you're welcome to come to us anytime you need prayer. We truly care about your health and well-being. And wish you the best always. As for your symptoms ...it sounds as though all the of the really dangerous things have been ruled out ..... Praise Jesus ! Hope this post finds you feeling lots better and that your symptoms have completely disappeared. In Christian Love, Susan

Dearest Christine, prayers are all ready on their way. We're always here for each other. Don't ever hesitate. The only Buddy I know who has had a stricture is May Becker. I will feel better about this after you see Dr. B. I am hoping for you that it is a stricture problem, because I've heard that it is a fairly easy fix. I am so sorry that you have had to go through all of this. So often said, but true, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Even though we haven't even met yet, I feel like I know you. Love and big hugs, B

Thanks, my friends! I love you all so much and the support you all give is such a treasure. Since I am only 42 (and holding... I turn 43 on the 24th-yikes!) I am praying that it is only a stricture and not a cardiac issue. My dad has had angina since his 20's, but I am the youngest of 6 kids and only one other has had any cardiac complaints. I am back on liquids and trying not to be too nervous before each swallow. I have had some mild discomfort in my chest today but nothing compared to yesterday. I still went to the beach with my mom and my daughter and basked in the sun with a book. It was heavenly, but I vow that I am not doing anything else today. Becky, I am glad to hear that you are planning on resting, too! It is so easy to do too much and have a setback. After my appt. on Tues. w/Dr. B., I'll update y'all on what he finds. OH, BTW!!! My appt. is actually w/Dr. Morgan, since Dr. B is not there on Tues. Has anyone met her or had her for surgery? Is she as thorough as Dr. B?

Dr. Morgan is my doctor. She is excellent. Very thorough. Don't be concerned about that at all.

Hi Christine! I hope that you are feeling somewhat better. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this trying period. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are all here for you!!! Hugs, Britt

I had 2 strictures. Both of which had to be repaired ( removed or whatever they do it). I know exactly what you mean by even mushy foods hurt. I could not even hold down water. But, of course, my pouch was not working AT ALL. I ended up having to have a PICC line inserted (a tube that runs from a vein in your arm directly to your heart to administer IV medication) and I had to hook myself up to IV fluids at night. My PICC line got infected and had to be removed and then I finally got better. I felt a lot of the same symptoms (is that spelled right?) you have experienced and some of the same fears you have right now. Let just say this I SURVIVED. Not without the help of Dr.Baker and Dr.Bryne but I made it through! I have now lost 92 pounds and have found the "old me". I have more energy to keep up with my 3 kids (7,almost 3 and 16 months), I have enrolled in college finally (after 14 years of being out of high school) and I volunteer most of my free time to Greyhound pets of Americe Charleston to find homes for retired racing greyhounds! You will get through this! I cannot say that I did not regret doing this to myself,but, in the end I would do it all over again! Being overweight has stopped me for a long time from doing the things I SHOULD have been doing. Prayer goes a long way but so does the fact that you are at the best hospital for this to happen to you. Endoscopy with Dr.Pain ( yes,that is his name-I told him he needed a Stage name if he was going to be a doctor) was the easiest surgery I have ever had. Dr. Bryne and his team there will take great care of you.Never fear!